Death in Saint-Chartier

My thanks to Allison & Busby for an ebook edition via NetGalley of ‘Death in Saint-Chartier’ by Ivo Fornesa in exchange for an honest review. This mystery novel was originally published in Spain in 2013 with English translation by Allen Young in ebook edition in November 2019. Its paperback edition will be published in March 2020.

Laurent de Rodergues has secluded himself in Saint-Chartier, a village in the heart of France, in order to write his memoirs. Yet the tranquil life of the village is soon disturbed when Carlos, an eccentric millionaire, decides to give the town's medieval chateau a makeover.

After months of work on the chateau Carlos throws a huge party to celebrate the completion. The whole village is there yet the day ends in tragedy when Carlos is found dead in a pool of blood.

The gendarmes rule it an accident but Laurent suspects foul play. He is experiencing writer’s block with his memoirs but begins to consider writing a murder mystery and begins compiling lists of suspects. He finds that practically everyone in Carlos’ life had a reason to want him dead.

This is a mystery in the tradition of classic amateur sleuths like Miss Marple. Laurent patiently interviews his possible suspects and formulates various scenarios. I found the final outcome satisfying.

I also found his opening Author’s Note interesting: “Buried deep within the twists and turns of many a crime novel lies a fact seldom considered by the reader: the plot is inspired by events that, though they may not have actually taken place, have ardently been desired. Such is the case with the novel before us, a story that could well have been real, and which hews closer to the truth than one might wish.”

Discovering that Ivo Fornesa actually does live in a chateau in the village of Saint-Chartier, which he renovated while writing this novel, added an intriguing element to the narrative.

In his afterword he writes that while “the characters are all fictional, they are inspired by actual people. The geography is entirely real, as are some of the establishments and shops that appear in the story.”

Certainly a well plotted and engaging mystery with plenty of atmosphere and a stunning location (that is real).

An engrossing and entertaining book with a well thought cast of characters and a lovely setting.
The plot is well crafted and I liked the style of writing.
The mystery is solid and it kept me guessing.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't be the last.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I really enjoyed this mystery which loses nothing in the translation.

A death, ruled as suicide, leaves a bad taste in the mouth of our amateur detective, Laurent de Rodrigues, who, though still regarded as a newcomer, decides that there is more to this death and begins his own investigation some many months later.

"... nothing gives you a new perspective on things like a bit of distance .."

The final build up to the denouement is palpable.

Loved how the author's own life is as every bit exciting as the one he has given his protagonist, and the added authenticity of real location and events makes it all the more intriguing.

Looking forward to more from this author.

Set in rural France, Laurent is wanting a quiet life but enjoys the good things in life as well.
He has a splendid home, a very nice lifestyle and a millionaire neighbour.

The chateau where the neighbour lives is under reconstruction and when it is finally open to the village it is a masterpiece. The party is lavish and everyone is invited. Despite there being many objections to the chateua's new owners, everyone is curious about the place and practically all of them attend. When Carlos is found dead in a secret passage the mystery actually starts.

The case comes to an end when the local police rule it as an accident. Laurent however has different views and is keen to see that justice is meted out for his friend who he felt met with an untimely end. He meticulously draws up a list of suspects and then interviews each in turn and then one by one they are ruled out of the running for the title of murderer.

In the style of slightly older amateur detectives, this was investigation done meticulously and painstakingly. The book is a translation and it is done very well.

Saint-Chartier Secrets...
When Laurent decides to seek a quiet and secluded but ideal spot in which to write his memoirs he cannot possibly anticipate the deadly disturbances that will soon arise. An atmospheric and engaging murder mystery in the traditional vein with a stunning, very real backdrop. Engaging reading.